stripping paint-how do you do it?

[ron bayless]

I have a buddy that is an expert painter.I want to stip my tank to metal,unless you all think down to primer is enough,but probably that wouldnt be even enough because some would be bare and some primer.Any how,I would appreciate some input.I am going to use custom license plate mounting.tail light from baron's and a fender from oldie's.The front fender will be the match to the oldie rear.Unless the rear is too wide.I think our fenders on the rear(gs 1000 L) is about 6 1/2 or 7 inches.Easy enough to measure and find out.

[steely]

I have done it two ways. I have used aircraft stripper and I have blasted with media. I prefer media blasting, it is quicker and a whole lot less messy. However, if you don't have access to a media blasting rig, aircraft stripper is pretty simple.

[ron bayless]

my freind has a glass bead blaster.Is that what you meant?

[madjack57754]

NO! do not strip a gas tank in a bead blaster. This can cause sparks and static electricity. media blasting is plastic,crushed walnut shells, or baking soda.

[Zooks]

NO! do not strip a gas tank in a bead blaster. This can cause sparks and static electricity. media blasting is plastic,crushed walnut shells, or baking soda.

It's quite safe if you fill the tank with water first. I have welded petrol tanks that have been filled with water (or sand).

To get the water out later on you just rinse it thouroughly with alcohol (methylated spirit).

[ron bayless]

thanks guys,i will probably use stripper.dont want to fill my tank with water or alcohol.I appreciate the input though.

[tkent02]

Ron, did you get your oil leaks fixed???

Or is this a different bike?

[ron bayless]

I sent you a PM.Ron B

[makenzie71]

When it comes to stripping tanks I use a blow torch or a quart of gasoline and a match. Fire is the best paintstripper ever invented.

[ron bayless]

When it comes to stripping tanks I use a blow torch or a quart of gasoline and a match. Fire is the best paintstripper ever invented.

Are you serious! I cnt imagine getting that done wihtout killing your self or weakening the metal from the heat.Wow.

[makenzie71]

Nothing dangerous about it. Flush the tank with distilled water a couple times and hit it with a torch. I do it all the time and it truely is the best treatment because the high heat of a torch not only burns the original paint off, byt it breaks the rust's bond...makes it a great method for restoration stuff. The only way you can damage the tank by doing this is by being an idiot and burning a hole in the metal.

Steel bikes...especially older models...are made with mild steels. Heat can't weaken them because they're already about as soft as they can get.

[ron bayless]

YOU ARE ONE SMART DUDE.tHANKS FOR THE TIP.i JUST MIGHT TRY IT,BUT WITH ONE OF THOSE LITTLE BUTANE BOTTLE TORCHES.